How to connect an Epson POS Printer with an Ethernet Adapter
Step by Step Installation
To connect to your local network the Ethernet printer must
be set to settings compatible with your network. To set the settings on the adapter you
must first connect to the adapter in its current or default state.
The installation step vary
slighting depending on the type of Ethernet card you have.
Over the past few years Epson
has offered 3 types of Ethernet cards, Type II, II and IV.
Each has a
different set of features and a different way of setting them up.
Installation - Type IV
Installation Steps for
Installing Ethernet
Adapter (Type IV)
The Type IV module (UB-E02, UB-E03, UB-E04 or similar) is the latest type of Connect-It Ethernet
adapter. The module can be set by accessing it directly using a web browser or
by a configuration utility. This type of module can also act as a device type
Print server to be used by more than 1 computer.
Installing and Setting the
Connect-It Ethernet Adapter (Type IV)
Install the Connect-It Ethernet adapter into the Epson TM series printer
The Type IV adapter can replace the existing adapter and
is held in place by 2 screws.
If changing a printer to Ethernet you must change the specific dip switch on the
Epson printer to allow for the Ethernet card.
(Key: DIP SW2-8 On: refers to
slide switch number 8, on switch bank 2, is turned On)
Cabling
Use a regular LAN patch cord to connect the printer to the LAN.
RJ-45 Female (connector
on computer and adapter end)
Ethernet cards use
CAT5/6 patch cords
|
| Tip: You can directly connect a printer
with an Ethernet interface to a computer using a crossover
cable (not the same as a patch cable). This special cable allows you
to bypass using a router or switch to connect a computer to a
printer for testing. To use this setup set the IP address of the
computer and the printer statically, both in the same sub domain,
with different addresses. |
Connect a computer directly to an Ethernet printer using
a crossover cable |
| For example if the printer was set to
192.168.192.168, the computer could be set to 192.168.192.167.
After proper set-up you should be able to open and talk to the printer
directly. Just enter the IP address (192.168.192.168 in this example) of
the printer using a browser. |
Getting initial
printer and
Ethernet adapter settings (Type IV)
Get the initial settings of the Ethernet adapter. Run the printer self test (hold down
the feed button while turning on the printer). The printer will print a list of
initial settings including interface type and buffer capacity. verify that the
interface is "Ethernet"
A similar test can then be done on the UB-E03, UB-E04 adapter by inserting a paperclip through the small hole in the
adapter for 3 seconds.
A strip will print showing the MAC
address, Gateway (GW), IP address and IP assignment method (manual/auto).
Changing the IP Address of the
Adapter
Now comes the tricky part. To be able to change the IP address on the adapter
you need to be able to connect with it. To do this you most likely need to
change the IP address of your computer to a value that makes the adapter
accessible. You can then connect to the adapter, make the change to the adapter,
then return the computer back to it's original settings.
| Note: the mPOS version of the UB-E03, UB-E04 Ethernet cards
are set to DHCP and will try to find an available IP address on its own the first
time it appears on your network. If successful, it will print out the IP
address it is using. If the address is acceptable to you then skip to
section about Configuring the
Computer for work with the Ethernet card.
LOGIN INFORMATION - Epson UB-E04 Cards also
require you to enter a user name and password.
The default values are
epson / epson . Some cards require the printer's serial
number as a password.
(as of card software version 1.25 Epson changed
default password for WebConfig access from “epson” to the serial number
of the printer to comply with the regulations (Chapter 886) in
California)
The Epson TM-T88VII Ethernet interface may use the serial number of
the printer for the password (no user name required). It also has a new
version of the Epson Printer Deployment utility available from
the Epson website
under TM-T88VII downloads in the support section. |
Resetting the Adapter
You can reset the UB-E03, UB-E04 Ethernet Interface card to factory defaults by holding
down the push button on the card (see arrow above) while turning on the printer
power and continuing to hold it down for 5 seconds. This causes all internal
settings to return to their factory defaults. For the older UB-E02 cards, hold
the push button down after the printer is on for 30 seconds.
Setting the IP Address on your
Computer
In Windows you can access the wired Ethernet
adapter in the "Network Connections" applet in the Windows Control Panels
(Internet Protocol/TCP/IP properties, allow you to enter an IP address.) Make a
note of the existing settings, you'll be returning to those settings when your
done. Set the IP address to an address in the same domain as the adapter. For
example of the adapter shows an IP address of 172.16.10.63 you could change the
computer to 172.16.10.2. Do not set the computer to the same address as
the Ethernet adapter on the printer. You might have to reset the computer's adapter for the new
settings to take place.
Logging onto the Adapter using
TMNet WebConfig (Type II or Type
IV)
TMNet web configuration allows you to access
the adapter via your network using a web browser. Generally speaking the adapter
must be in the same sub domain as the computer to be able to log on
(see previous section for how to configure the PC
to the same subdomain)
Setting the IP Address using
TMNet WinConfig (Type IV)
To use the UB-E03, UB-E04 with TCP/IP, you first need to set its IP address. You can set
the IP address by using the EPSON TMNet WinConfig or arp/ping command.
Running the TMNet WinNet configuration
utility
on the Computer
Once connected you can run the TMNet configuration utility to view or change
the settings on the Ethernet card.
To obtain the TMNet configuration
utility from Epson:
-
You may have to re-enable your wired LAN
port to download the EpsonTMNetWinConfig utility.
-
Download and Install Epson’s
TMNetWinConfig available from
www.epson.com
-
Click on TECHNICAL RESOURCES
-
Select Ethernet INTERFACES under the
CONNECT-IT INTERFACES
-
Click the download icon
for the TMNetWinConfig
-
For
detailed installation instructions, click here.
Setting the IP Address using EPSON TMNet WinConfig
1. Set the TCP/IP of your operating system.
2. Install the EPSON TMNet WinConfig.
3. Set the IP address using EPSON TMNet WinConfig.
The utility will scan for and
should list the Ethernet printer.
Select the printer and press
Configuration to view or change settings. (Pressing the Launch Browser button
will contact the TMNet WebConfig interface using your web browser.)
When you make changes and press 'OK' the
utility sends the new settings to the printer and resets the printer. Note: the
default password is <blank>. Don't
forget to make the same changes on the computer side to maintain connectivity.
Configuration - Type II
Configuration
of Ethernet
Type II Module
The earlier type of Epson Connect-It Interface used a manual configuration
scheme and a simple web interface. The Type II module can be identified by the red or blue
8 position DIP
switch visible on the front of the adapter
An Epson Type II Ethernet Interface Adapter
(Key: 2-7 On:
refers to the switch number 7 is turned On)
Confirm the initial settings of the Printer
Run the printer self test (hold down
the feed button while turning on the printer). The printer will print a list of
initial settings including interface type and buffer capacity. Verify that the
interface is "serial" for this type of Ethernet adapter.
Quick Test Printout, Type II
Adapter
To get a configuration / status
report with information about the printer and Ethernet module, along with
maintenance counts and settings, do the following:
for PRINTERS with Cover Sensor
-
Power
the Printer up, with Ethernet Module installed .
-
Pop
the receipt printer cover
-
Press
the FEED button
-
Close
the receipt printer cover
NOTE: Wait for the
green LED on the module to start blinking! If you proceed with this too
quickly, the printout will indicate an UNKNOWN PRINTER. If this happens,
cycle power, and wait for the Green LED to start blinking. - With the module
connected to a Ethernet, this delay will be shorter than if there is no
Ethernet connected and the modules spends longer looking for one.
for PRINTERS without Cover Sensor
Configuration- Type III
Configuration of Ethernet
Type III Module
Epson's "low-cost" Connect-It Ethernet Interface used a manual configuration
scheme and and no web interface. The Type III module can be identified by the red or blue
4 position DIP
switch visible on the front of the adapter
An Epson Type III Ethernet Interface Adapter
DIP Normal Switch Settings for the Ethernet
III Module (front panel)
DS-1 Off ('On' is used to generate a configuration report)
DS-2 N/A
DS-3 N/A
DS-4 N/A
Jumper Settings (in strip together
on circuit board)
JP-1 baud
JP-2 baud
JP-3 DHCP (default: on)
JP-4 factory use (normally off)
Baud rate settings (set using combination of jumper
1 and jumper 2, above)
9600 baud: JP1-Off, JP-2-Off
19200 baud: JP1-On, JP-2-Off
38400 baud: JP1-Off, JP-2-On
Note: The Ethernet III module only supports 9600, 19200 and 38400 baud
rates.
The
printer and the Ethernet III module must have the same baud rates to communicate.
Get the initial settings of the Printer
Run the printer self test (hold down the feed button while turning on the
printer). The printer will print a list of initial settings including interface
type and buffer capacity. Verify that the interface is "serial" for this type of
Ethernet adapter and that the baud rate is the same as is set on the card.
If necessary, change the baud rate on the printer (using the
DIP switches) or the baud rate on the module
(using jumpers), so they agree.
Get the initial settings of the Ethernet Adapter Card
Turn off power on printer. Change the dip switch 1 to ON. Turn printer on. The printer will print a list of
including MAC address, current IP address and DIP switch and jumper settings.
Note: if you want to enable DHCP for this card, you must place a jumper
on JP3. JP3 is located on the circuit board near the large black connector. DHCP
stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a network service that
automatically assigns IP addresses to devices.
| Resetting the card to default settings |
| You can reset the Ethernet card to it's
default settings by placing a small jumper across two pins while power
cycling the card. |
 |
-
Locate the two position jumper closest to the metal plate
(see arrows).
-
Place
a jumper at position 1 (JP1) across the two pins adjacent to the metal
plate.
-
Install the card in the printer.
-
Turn power on. Wait for printer to
respond - it should print a test sheet.
-
Turn the printer off.
-
Remove the card from the printer and the
jumper from the card. The card should now be reset to its default settings.
|
Installation Steps
(Type II or Type III)
1. Disconnect power and other cables from the EPSON printer, and
remove the printer DIP switch cover plate.
2. Remove the existing interface board from the printer by unscrewing 2 screws.
3. Properly align and push the new module into the printer. Fasten the two
mounting screws through the faceplate of the new interface.
4. Set DIP switches as necessary; then attach the access cover.
5. Connect the power cable to the printer and apply power. Attach network cable.
6. Run a configuration report. This shows that the printer, module, and firmware
are all installed and operating correctly and shows how the communication
parameters are set.
Running a Configuration Report
(Type II or Type III)
To Run the Config Report
-
Power on the printer,
-
Open the paper
cover,
-
press the FEED button,
-
Close the paper cover.
The configuration report will now
print. It should include information such as the MAC address, the IP address and
the gateway address. After printing, don't forget to return DIP switch 1 to the
off position.
For the EPSON TM-U200 printer:
Set DIP switch 1 on the Ethernet Module
to ON and power up the unit. After report has printed, power off unit and return
DIP switch to the OFF position.
Configuring the Interface
(Type II or Type III)
Each Epson Ethernet Interface module has a 'Base'
MAC
Address programmed into the it. A unique MAC Address and a Serial
Number are programmed into the Flash ROM at the factory, and cannot be changed.
Labels with both the MAC address and serial number are affixed to the module.
These numbers are important when configuring the adapter- It is advisable to make a
note of these values in a secure place.
The Internet or IP address can be
set using the web interface or Epson EEI utility. It can be dynamically reassigned via DHCP, BOOTP, or ARP/Ping.
High Level Configuration
Option 1 (Ethernet II only):
Using a web browser, type the default IP address
(found on a label on the interface card) into the address field of your web
browser. The configuration screen should appear. The default password for the
interface is Epson. We highly recommend this be changed. Once the web interface
is running, all application, network, printer and password settings can be
modified.
Option 2 (Ethernet II or Ethernet III): Use the
Epson Ethernet Interface Configuration Program for this series of adapter,
EEIUtil.exe, The program will discover all Epson Ethernet printers on
your network and allow you to reconfigure them. Note: the TMNetWinConfig is not
compatible with this model of adapter.
Important: If you are
assigning a permanent IP address to the Epson printer, it is advised that dip
switch 8 on the interface module by switched to off once the address has been
set.
Configuring the Computer
(all types)
Installing the Device Drivers
for Windows
If provided with a driver disk from Beagle Hardware or Epson, you can
install the Epson printer drivers from the CD. Alternatively, you can download
the files from Epson.
To obtain the latest Device
Drivers from Epson:
-
Download and Install Epson’s
drivers available from
www.epson.com
-
Click on TECHNICAL RESOURCES
-
Select the printer model under the menu
-
Click the download
drivers on the printer page
Configuration Utilities to Run
on the Computer
Epson Flash Utility
The Epson Flash Utility is normally
installed with the Epson printer drives. It is used to upload bitmaps to Epson
printers, but has a simple communication test which will check for basic
connectivity between the computer and the printer. Pressing the "Comm. Test"
button on the Setup tab of the utility will give a go/no-go indication of basic
connectivity.
Installing the Printer Driver
in Windows
Installing the TMNet utility also installs the printer driver in Windows.
The printer should be visible in the printers folder of the Windows Control
Panel.
Configuring the Printer in
Windows
You need to make a few changes in the printer settings to get it to work
with the Ethernet adapter. Specifically you need to configure the port you are
using. Open the printer in the Windows Printer Folder. Select the Ports Tab.
Turn off bidirectional support, if enabled.
You must now add the port as s TCP/IP port. Press
"Add Port" and select "Standard TCP/IP Port" , then select "New
Port".
This will open up the Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard.
Enter the
IP address of the Ethernet adapter (192.168.2.29 shown here). The utility
will then locate the printer on the Ethernet network and create the port. This
port (IP_...) will now be selected fro use with this printer.
You may need to make a few changes in the printer settings to get it to work
with the Ethernet adapter. Specifically you need to configure the port you are
using. Open the printer in the Windows Printer Folder. Select the Ports Tab.
Select the Ethernet port in use (i.e. IP_). Also turn off bidirectional support, if enabled.
Accessing the Printer Driver
in Windows
After installing the printer drivers, the printer should be visible in the printers folder of the Windows Control
Panel. Right clicking on the icon should let you open the printer properties.
Testing the Printer
You should now be ready to test the printer by printing some text or by pressing
the "Print Test Page" button in the General Tab of the printer properties.
Troubleshooting
Card Installation Problems
-
The dip switches on the bottom of the printer have not been
set correctly for the Ethernet interface in use.
-
The memory switches are set incorrectly for the card used.
-
The Ethernet card is incompatible with the printer model.
-
The firmware of the printer needs to be updated to accept
the Ethernet card.
-
The firmware of the Ethernet card needs to be updated.
For UB-E04 cards: you can update the firmware to the latest
version by
following this link.
Won't accept password
-
Try using the serial number of the printer for the password.
-
Try a different means of connecting to the printer. If using
a browser, try the utility instead (see the Epson Printer
Deployment utility available from the
Epson website). If
using the Epson utility, try the browser method instead.
Connectivity Problems
-
The Ethernet adapter has not been configured to work on your
local network. Confirm network settings using the adapter
self test.
-
The computer is unable to connect to the printer over the
network. Test connectivity with ping and/or TMNet.
-
The IP address of the adapter has changed.
Check IP
settings.
-
The printer is not online in Windows. Check the status of
the printer in the Windows Control Panel, the printer should show status as
ready. Tip: try stopping and restarting the Print Spooler from
the Services applet of the Control Panel.
-
IP address setting is not correct. Confirm that the IP
address assigned by the network is set for the Ethernet adapter.
-
Subnet mask setting is not correct. Confirm that the subnet
mask assigned by the network is set for the Ethernet adapter.
-
The IP address is set redundantly. When the same IP address
is used for more than one device in the network, communication is not
possible. Confirm the settings for the other devices. The same default IP
address is set for all Ethernet adapter units as the factory setting. Do not
use more than one printer with the Ethernet adapter on the same network
without changing the IP address.
-
The Epson printer driver has not been installed for the
Ethernet adapter and printer in use.
Drops IP Address
No longer prints
-
The TM printer is turned off. Turn on the TM printer.
Confirm the connection of the power supply unit or the voltage of the
commercial power.
-
The TM printer is offline. Turn the TM printer online.
-
The ERROR LED of the TM printer is on or flashing.
Remove the error cause.
-
The printing port of the driver on the computer side
is not specified correctly. Confirm the driver setting on the computer side.
-
The IP address of the printer has changed. Compare IP
settings at the
printer side and computer side.
Printing is slow
Need some help? Try our Epson printer test utility |
